Whipple’s Disease Test | Qualitative, Real-Time PCR

Ordering the Whipple’s Disease Test | Qualitative, Real-Time PCR

This test checks for Tropheryma whipplei, the bacteria that causes Whipple’s Disease, using a real-time PCR method. It is used to help find the cause of symptoms like long-lasting joint pain, stomach problems, or unexplained weight loss, especially when other tests have not given clear answers. Interestingly, Whipple’s Disease can sometimes show up as neurological symptoms before any digestive issues appear, making early detection important for proper care.

Ordering this test can help you and your doctor find out if Tropheryma whipplei is present, which can guide treatment and help prevent more serious problems. Benefits of ordering include:

• Detects the presence of Tropheryma whipplei DNA directly from tissue or fluid samples
• Helps explain ongoing symptoms that have not responded to standard treatments
• Supports early diagnosis, which can help avoid long-term complications
• Assists in monitoring response to treatment if Whipple’s Disease has already been diagnosed
• Reduces the need for more invasive procedures when symptoms are unclear

Who Should Consider Bacterial DNA PCR Testing for Chronic Symptoms

People who have had unexplained joint pain, stomach discomfort, or weight loss for several months, despite trying different treatments, may benefit from this test. For example, someone who has been feeling tired, has swelling in their joints, and has lost weight without a clear reason might find this test helpful in finding the cause.

Ordering may also be helpful in these situations:

• Long-term diarrhea with no clear diagnosis
• Chronic cough and fever that do not improve with usual care
• Unexplained anemia or vitamin deficiency that does not respond to supplements
• Skin darkening or swollen lymph nodes with no known cause
• Eye inflammation that appears with digestive or joint symptoms, which is less commonly linked to Whipple’s Disease

This test can help identify the specific bacteria responsible for ongoing symptoms, allowing for targeted treatment and reducing the risk of complications. Delaying this test may allow the infection to progress, which can make treatment more difficult and increase the chance of lasting problems.

Preparing for Real-Time PCR Bacterial Detection

Fasting is not required before this test, so you can eat and drink as usual. Always follow any instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your sample is collected and handled correctly.

Labs Included When Ordering Your Whipple’s Disease Test | Qualitative, Real-Time PCR

Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods and guidelines.

Whipple’s Disease Test FAQ

Is there Whipple’s Disease Test | Qualitative, Real-Time PCR testing near me?

This test is available as a kit that you can use locally, and you can check the draw location link at the top of the page for collection sites. Since Whipple’s Disease can cause symptoms that are hard to explain, having a nearby collection option makes it easier to get tested quickly and start finding answers.

How do I interpret the test results?

While your treating physician should review your results, you can also use our one-on-one test results review service with our clinical team for extra support and clear explanations.

What is the cost of the test?

The price you see for this test includes standard shipping to you and back to the lab, but draw fees may apply. Ordering this test can help you find the cause of ongoing symptoms sooner, which may help you get the right treatment faster.

How often should I retest?

Retesting is usually recommended if symptoms return after treatment or if your doctor wants to check if the bacteria is still present, often several months after therapy. Repeating the test can help confirm that the infection is gone and that treatment has worked.

How accurate is the test?

This test uses real-time PCR, a method that detects even small amounts of Tropheryma whipplei DNA with high precision. The specificity is about 99% and the sensitivity is about 98%. TrueHealthLabs.com works with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified labs to maintain high-quality testing standards you can trust.